OBITUARY

Alicia Marie Rainbolt

January 25, 1981 – September 24, 2013

Alicia M. Rainbolt entered this world as an earthly angel on the 25th of January 1981, and took flight as a heavenly angel on Tuesday, the 24th of September 2013, surrounded by her family. Although her time on earth was short, her accomplishments were great. She walked with CHRIST throughout her life. Alicia ministered behind the scenes by her actions, words and deeds. She grew up in Houston and attended Briargrove Elementary where she began her lifelong activity of journaling, Grady Middle School where she began her love of running and Lamar High School where she was in the IB Honors program. At the University of Texas at Austin, she was active in Delta Delta Delta sorority and received a degree in communications. After college, she moved to New York City, where she blossomed into an unbelievable young lady – sophisticated and elegant, yet so humble and gracious. She taught many life lessons to many people, but the most important lesson she taught was to completely TRUST the LORD. During her illness, Alicia never lost her big smile or the wonderful spirit she is well known for. Not once did she complain or ask ‘why me’. She always greeted everyone with her trademark smile and inquiries about their well being.

She became an even more powerful ‘FORCE for CHRIST’ once she became involved with Redeemer Presbyterian Church of New York City. Alicia was active in the Bible Study Fellowship where she became a BSF leader. She was selected, trained and became a Deaconess at Redeemer where she provided counseling, prayer, and other support services to Church members in need. Her Church and its Deaconate Program have been so supportive of both Alicia and her family during this journey. She went on a Mission trip to the LILY of the Valley Orphanage in South Africa where her BIG SMILE resulted in instant love from the children. She continues to sponsor a little girl from LILY. Her love for running led her to become a member of the New York Harriers, a national running club which recently held a fund raiser on her behalf. With her love for running and support from and training with the HARRIERs, she qualified to run in both the NY Marathon and the Boston Marathon.

Alicia’s love of travel took her all over the world, most recently traveling with her Mother to Italy to celebrate her mom’s 60th birthday. This love led her to a career in Public Relations in the Travel and Leisure area. She began her career in New York City with Rudder Finn and most recently was employed as Vice President at Lou Hammond & Associates.

Alicia is preceded in death by her grandparents Tilly Doby and Tom and Alice Rainbolt. She is survived by her loving Parents, Nikki Rainbolt and Thomas Rainbolt Jr; her Grandparents, Robert & Marge Dobby; special Aunt & Uncle, Nancy & Nolan King; Aunts & Uncles, Robert Doby Jr., Cinde Barbeau, Troy & Kathy Doby, Kyle & Karen Doby, Melissa & John Hearn, Lynn & Misro Sanyoto, Rosalind Rainbolt & Mary Taylor; Goddaughter, Ellen, daughter of Erin & Joe Koch; and a host of other relatives, Alicia is also survived by hundreds of lifelong friends, many of whom have been so supportive and loving during this journey. We give special thanks to these friends, Houston Hospice, and the unbelievable staffs at MD Anderson and New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six o’clock until eight o’clock this evening, Friday, the 27th of September, in the drawing room of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A graveside service is to be conducted at half-past noon on Saturday, the 28th of September, at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Road in Houston.

The memorial service is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 28th of September, in the sanctuary of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road, also in Houston.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the nearby fellowship hall.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions may be directed to the Alicia Marie Rainbolt Memorial Fund @ www.youcaring.com/other/remembering-alicia-rainbolt/51042. All contributions are to be used to perpetuate Alicia’s causes.

REMEMBERING

Alicia Marie Rainbolt

Arhlene Flowers

October 3, 2013

I send you and your family my deepest condolences. I had the pleasure of knowing Alicia when she came to New York City. I actually had interviewed her by phone for the position at Ruder Finn, and I was delighted that she accepted the job. She was wonderful to work with—and I loved her positive attitude. She was always a Texan by heart, however. When I left NYC, I gave her a book on Texas full of beautiful images of the state. She sent me a sweet thank you note—and I could feel her glowing smile! I was glad to hear from her over the years as her career progressed. She was a sincere, caring and beautiful person. She will be missed dearly.

Barbara Hutchins

October 1, 2013

Nikki, my heart broke when I heard of Alicia's passing. She grew into a wonderful soul. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing how many people she touched in her too short time.

Ninfa DiAnna

October 1, 2013

Nikki and Tom - we are so very sad to hear about the loss of your beautiful daughter Alicia. The last time we saw her she had to have been 7 or 8 years old over at 4450 Campus Avenue at Mimi's house. It looks like she grew up to be a beautiful woman inside and out. Stay strong our prayers are with you and your family. xoxo Ninfa & Jim DiAnna

Tom Thompson

September 30, 2013

Nikki, what a great daughter and a what a wonderful example to all of us on how to lead a true, unselfish Christian life. Her ablity to keep her faith to the very end says it all.I am still in Montana and could not attend her services. I am just so,so sorry for your loss.

Cheryl Bean

September 28, 2013

Although I did not know Alicia her obit is outstanding and she was a truly outstanding young woman. The world was blessed to have such a person - even for a short time. Prayers your way!!!!

David McCrary

September 27, 2013

My prayers are with the Rainbolt family. It was a pleasure knowing Alicia, growing up in the St. Luke's youth group and always seeing her in the halls at Lamar. She was one of the sweetest people, and had an incredible smile. I know that she will be looking over the world from above. Heaven has a new angel.

LTC (R) Denis & Tracey Bilodeau and Pat Trevino

September 27, 2013

Dearest Nikki, Doby and Rainbolt families...There just aren't words to truly express the universal grief shared by those who know and love you all. We can only turn to the Lord for mercy, and each other in love, to bear the burden of loss. Alicia seemed to always be a star in this world, who has now taken her place in the heavens above, where we can still watch her light the darkness. We hope your hearts will be consoled with joy in the days and years to come, with all she accomplished and lived through faith... knowing what a wonderful life was given and shared with this world, shaped by the values of your families. We certainly wish we could be there personally with you this weekend, but instead, we send love, prayers, and endless hugs.

whitney pozgay

September 27, 2013

Alicia was a true joy to be around. Her smile lit up a room and her positive energy was contagious. She will be missed by all who knew her. My heart goes out to all of her friends and family. Love you Alicia.

Beth Andrews

September 27, 2013

My heart is breaking for Nikki and her family. Alicia was the finest, with so much more to offer the world. I know she is in a better place. My prayers are with those she left behind.

Trammel Martin

September 27, 2013

I wish I could attend Alicia's service today. Though we shared many friends in common from growing up in Houston and attending UT, we really didn't know each other until we both lived in NY. I remember Alicia as always having a wonderful smile, being so friendly and just a fun and positive person to be around. I send my prayers to her family and loved ones.

September 27, 2013

My prayer are with you, her family and friends. What a precious person. My daughter also went to Briargrove Elementary and UT. She visits Redeemer in New York every time she is there.You are all so fortunate that God blessed you with the keeping of such a wonderful child of God. She is in the loving arms of Jesus Christ.Lynn Monteith

Dan Edinger

September 26, 2013

My prayers are with you, Nikki.

September 26, 2013

Alicia's bright smile is shining on us from heaven - she will be missed tremendously.

Picky Heasley

September 26, 2013

Alicia will always hold a place in my heart.

September 26, 2013

My condolences to the bereaved family of Alicia Rainbolt. May you be comforted by looking forward to an removal of all causes of death and the heartaches it brings.

Tracie Cayford Cudworth

September 25, 2013

Alicia was a very talented, lovely, gracious, and kind lady. The communications/tourism PR industry has lost a bright star. She will be missed! We are grateful for everything she did to help us promote Utah!

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